Livorno fans have rushed to raise funds for research into the condition and today Roma defender Burdisso sent this message.

“Andrea, this is the most important match you will ever have to face. As a father who has been through a difficult illness along with my daughter, I can advise you only to keep going, always, with faith in God and doing everything you possibly can.

“Do not think about the end result, but rather try to fight day after day, for Marco and for your family. All will go well...

“I and the entire Roma squad embrace you at this moment. With time, this will all be just a memory. Forza!”

Burdisso put his career on hold in 2004, as a few months after joining Inter his two-year-old daughter was diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

He returned to Argentina and President MassimoMoratti told the player he could have as much time as he needed, rejecting Burdisso’s offer to terminate the contract.

The defender eventually did come back to resume his Inter career after seven months of looking after his daughter.